Craftsmanship is a form of communication. One man's way of interpreting the needs of another and transmuting his creative impulse and aesthetic into fulfillment of that need. Marble carvings, such as large or small figurines, groups of people or animals, and architectural decorations, have been a special art form since the ancient time. India has a huge resource of different variety of marbles and the skilled craftsmen impart life into them. The Indian craftsman's mastery over marble stone is best revealed in the architecture and sculptures found in it's temples and monuments.

Artistry on Marble
One cannot help but admire the intricacy of marble inlay work on various architectural marvels constructed by Mughals like Taj Mahal or buildings within Red Fort of Agra. Mosaic inlay work was however prevalent in India even before the arrival of the Mughals. Colored or partly colored patterns on ceilings, walls and floors could often be seen in temples. Cups and vases with inlay work of different colors were also man made. Walls were covered with large pieces of red, yellow and black stone, to make a pattern-usually geometrical

Making the Product
For the craftsmen in this trade the actual tools used remain much the same as those used in the Mughal period. A design, be it a floral or geometrical motif is cut out on a brass sheet. This is then placed on marble, drawn and then the marble is carved out. Slices of precious and semi-precious stones, which have in the meantime been shaped and polished, are then laid into the marble with adhesive. After it has dried, the surface and edges are polished to give a shiny finish.

Centres of Marble Artistry
Agra, is a famous centre for marble carving, that draws its inspiration from the Taj Mahal. Some of the common marble carvings of Agra include miniature carving of the Taj Mahal, vases, and lamps. Marble inlays on trinket boxes, marble curios and semi-precious stone inlay are added attractions. Also famous for marble carvings is Vrindavan near Mathura. Know more about Taj Mahal.
Rajasthan continues to be one of major centres of stone carving in the country. The capital city Jaipur is the centre of marble carving in Rajasthan. Here one can see artisans creating marble images of the deities as well as domestic utensils such as bowls for grinding spices and kneading dough. At Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner, one comes across some very fine examples of the intricate jali work done on screens and panels of the royal palaces.